Time is running out for the Government to decide whether people will get a say on Nova Energy’s proposal to build a large gas-fired power plant in south Waikato with significant impacts on the environment and climate change, the Green Party said today.

“The Government should ‘call in’ Nova’s application to build a new gas-fired power plant as a matter of national significance so everyone gets to have a say, because it will affect New Zealand’s commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement,” said Green Party energy and resources spokesperson Gareth Hughes.

“New Zealand has committed to reducing our climate pollution under the Paris Climate Agreement, so it would be ridiculous to allow big new sources of climate pollution to be built.

“It would be a massive failure of policy and leadership to allow a new power plant that could emit an estimated 425,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution a year and dismiss its impacts on the climate.

“Almost 3000 people have signed a petition asking Nick Smith to show leadership about this power station.

“The Resource Management Act says that whether a project is relevant to New Zealand’s international obligations to the global environment – like the Paris Climate Agreement – is a factor in deciding if it’s a matter of national significance that can be ‘called in’.

“This dirty power plant could need another 17,000 trees planted to suck up all the CO2 pollution it could spew out.

The Media Party are going for the headlines in who spent the most where…but they are missing the comparisons when it comes to MP expenses.

Sure it makes for great headlines that Tim Groser had his sleeves shortened, or Gerry Brownlee staying in a hotel that cost $2100 a night. Most of those expenses are in the course of trade related visits. They certainly aren’t in the league of Clayton Cosgrove miraculously losing three items of luggage and having to get new suits each time. Whilst he might be the world’s most unluckiest Business Class traveller where they managed to lose priority luggage several times he certainly didn’t need to trough it up and get new suits…luggage turns up eventually.

However if you look at comparisons between similar MPs you get to see where the real troughing is.

Take National’s List and Wellington based MP Chris Bishop. Now I’m no big fan of Chris Bishop, but look at his expenses for the 91 days between 1 July and 30 September 2015.

His out of Wellington accommodation is $889 and his air travel is $4333 and his land travel costs were $2813 for a total of $8,036. This is $88 a day for accomodation and travel.

Sounds large, but let’s look at some other Wellington based MPs. Read more »

Hundreds of Wellingtonians are expected to turn out today, to protest against the government’s lack of action on climate change.

And the Green Party’s pitching in behind a Wellington campaign to raise awareness about rising sea levels.

Green MP Gareth Hughes says many parts of the capital will be washed out if action isn’t taken now.

“We’re trying to raise awareness of the serious issue of climate change, which scientists, international governments and the UN are urging action for, so we want to raise the profile of a very serious issue.”

Rising sea levels are placing a significant strain on infrastructure around Wellington.

Hundreds of Wellingtonians are expected. That means 99.99% don’t give a whatsit.

The Greens now have four blokes to choose from for their male co-leader role vacated by Russel Norman.

Wellington-based MP James Shaw will bid to be the Green Party’s co-leader, after earlier saying it was “highly unlikely” he’d run.

It is understood the first-term MP is planning to make the announcement on Monday, after telling caucus colleagues at a meeting earlier this week.

Last month Shaw said it was too early in his parliamentary career. However, he appears to have had a change of heart after being approached by supportive members, including at a recent policy conference in the Hunua ranges, south of Auckland. Read more »

After toppling play-away Norman, Kevin Hague now has to contend with the one of the loonier of the Greens running to be the bridesmaid to Metiria Turei

Kia ora koutou

As a Green Party member I wanted to let you know first that I am running for Green Party Co-Leader.

I am standing because I believe I can do the best job to grow our vote, which is the most effective way we can make meaningful action on our core issues: tackling the climate crisis and social inequality. I am lucky to have found my passion in life as a young person fresh out of school. Since then I have dedicated myself to environmental campaigning, with a particular focus on climate change. I believe that my background and experience would be a great match to work alongside Metria as Co-Leader.

Dear Electorate. I’ve never had a real job. This qualifies me to lead a political party. Read more »